The one and only Queen of Soul was in town last night, performing at the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall. The 90-minute show benefited the Bon Secours Foundation of Maryland. And although the cheapest seat in the house was $97, the place was full. 

Franklin delivered a decent show -- nothing thrilling, but she managed to be engaging for the most part. Halfway into her set, the notoriously aloof diva opened up a little, revealing a sly, downhome sense of humor. Musically, Franklin mostly stuck to her classic Atlantic catalog, breezing through favorites such as "Chain of Fools," "Respect" and "Think."

She was backed by a massive band that included a 10-piece horn section. The musicians sometimes overpowered her. And that isn't hard to do these days. Although Franklin's behind-the-beat phrasing is still impressive, her celebrated instrument has lost some of its power over the years. But even when she's coasting (and in concert these days she's definitely prone to just skate through vocally), Franklin is still warmly soulful.     

As we all know, and Franklin will waste no time reminding us, she is the Queen.

Above: handout photo by Matthew Jordan Smith